Mary Leota Bowlyow Clover Thurman died on September 25, 2020 at Oak Lane Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Stronghurst, IL. She was born on September 8, 1918 in Carman Township, IL, the daughter of Charles Parsons and Georgia Leota Marsden Bowlyow. On September 9, 1936 she married John Clover II in Monmouth, IL. He died in 1968. They had one son, John Clover III. In 1986, Mary married Fred Thurman. He died in 1997.
Mary lived her entire life in Carman before coming to the Oak Wood Assisted Living in Stronghurst. Mrs. Thurman was the postmaster of Carman from 1957 to her retirement, a total of 27 years. She was an active member of the Carman United Methodist Church, involved in all aspects of church life; the Carman Community Club; and a lifelong member of the Carman Rebekah Lodge, which she joined in 1939.
Mrs. Thurman graduated from Stronghurst High School in 1936. She was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan, and enjoyed camping, fishing, and working crossword puzzles. She was a friend to all she met over the years, who knew her affectionately as “Aunt Mary.”
Survivors include daughter-in-law Cheryl and grandson Justin (Sarah) Clover of Virginia, grandchildren Tammy Dodson and John Clover IV of Missouri, and numerous great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husbands; her brothers Earl (Helen) and Gail (Betty); one sister Doris (Raymond) West; and two grandsons.
The family will receive friends from 12:30 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. Tuesday September 29, 2020 at Banks & Beals Funeral Home in Stronghurst. Graveside services will follow at 2:30 p.m Tuesday at the Carman Cemetery, with Pastor Lisa Unger officiating. Memorials have been established for the Carman United Methodist Church, Oak Lane Nursing & Rehab and Oakwood Estates Assisted Living Center. Please visit Mary’s obituary at banksandbeals.com sign the guest book and leave a condolence.
